Projects

JET BUILDS HOMES

26 November : Jet announces that it will provide R580 000...

Nelson Mandela Municipality, EASTERN PROVINCE – November 2006 – Jet, South Africa’s number one retail brand, has announced that it will provide R580 000 for the Support the Carer project, as part of the Edcon group corporate social responsibility programme. The money will help build 10 homes for carers of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) in the Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB) by end of March 2007.
   
Jet is the primary funder of this ambitious project, which was initiated by METRO FM in partnership with Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and Habitat for Humanity as a social upliftment initiative. The project has been approved by Mayor of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM), Nondumiso Maphazi, as a ‘legacy project,’ ensuring sustainability for the beneficiaries.

“In South Africa around 17% of children are classed as orphans and this already dire statistic is growing steadily as yet another consequence of South Africa's HIV crisis. Large-scale orphanages are not the solution. Firstly, the numbers already overwhelm the existing orphanages and secondly, growing up in an institutional home can inhibit a child’s successful integration into their community. If children can be raised in private homes and in the care of committed guardians their chances of a healthy happy childhood are just so much better. Habitat for Humanity, with whom we have built 14 houses in the past two years, has identified the crucial need for homes for these vulnerable minors and it is a pleasure for us to be associated with this important endeavour,” explains Xolile Caga, Edcon’s Group CSI manager.

The ten homes which will house as many as 32 children will either be new homes or extensions to existing homes depending on the number of orphans being cared for and their current housing conditions. The basic four roomed homes could include a lounge, kitchen, bathroom and two bedrooms. The budget per home for all direct materials and labour is R40 000.

Initially, METRO FM personalities, musicians, Jet and the local community will build two pilot homes, in Uitenhage and Despatch. The houses will be built in the week leading up to the annual METRO FM Music Awards and – true to Habitat for Humanity’s remarkable efficiency – they’ll go up in five short days between 20 and 25 November 2006. The METRO FM Music Awards take place on Saturday, 25 November, 2006.

Grant Edkins, Program Development Director, Habitat South Africa, says: "This project focuses on families in greatest need of decent shelter and is a crucial extension of Habitat's work into the Eastern Cape. It is our aim that vulnerable children are raised in a faith based and loving environment and to this end we are not only supplying the basic brick and mortar building but also education workshops and ensuring long term, committed care for the children. The new home are just rewards for the carers, who have made great personal sacrifices with love and humility. Habitat will continue to seek out partnerships where hope can be inspired and shared as we recognise our togetherness, our ubuntu.”

“Ultimately, these houses become a symbol of hope for the future, not just for the orphans and vulnerable children but also for the community as a whole, who witness what is possible when a few dedicated people come together to make a difference,” concludes Cameron Burt, Jet marketing manager.